WO1990003138A1

WO1990003138A1 - Display device

Info

Publication number: WO1990003138A1
Application number: PCT/GB1989/001132
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank James Ross
Original assignee: Frank James Ross
Priority date: 1988-09-26
Filing date: 1989-09-26
Publication date: 1990-04-05
Also published as: GB8921729D0; GB2222945B; AU4324689A; GB2222945A

Abstract

The invention provides a display device (11) comprising a transparent body member (12) and a retaining member (16), each having a front and a rear surface, the rear surface of the retaining front surface of the retaining member being at least essentially flat. The body member (12) includes a peripheral band (14, 15) comprising ferromagnetic material and the retaining member includes at least a peripheral band comprising ferromagnetic material which complements the ferromagnetic material of the band (15) of the body member. In that manner a photograph (17) or the like may be sandwiched between the rear surface of the body member and the front surface (21) of the retaining member and the members held together by magnetic attraction to secure the sandwiched photograph (17). In addition, the peripheral band (14, 15) of the body member is arranged such that it provides an inner edge upstanding in relation to the rear surface of the body member. Also, the retaining member includes on its front surface a layer (22) standing proud of the surface and having an area and configuration such that the layer provides an outer edge which complements the inner edge of the peripheral band of the body member. The edges as thus provided can then co-operate with each other to secure the members against sliding movement.

Description

DISPLAY DEVICE

The present invention relates to a display device, in particular to a device which can be used to frame and display a photograph or the like in a simple yet pleasing manner. For many years it has been conventional to frame and display photographs using a frame accommodating a piece of glass or other transparent material and having a backing sheet of cardboard or wood. The photograph is then sandwiched between the glass and backing sheet and the sandwich held in place by a multiplicity of pins or clips in or on the frame. The whole display device may then be mounted on a wall hanging on a hook from a cord or the like or held upright on a flat surface by a prop hinged to the' backing sheet. Overall the conventional manner of framing and displaying photographs is relatively complicated. In particular, by requiring the positioning of a multiplicity of pins or clips or the like, it makes the operation of framing a photograph at the very least time consuming. Also, once the framing operation is complete it is not easy to disassemble the framed photograph and make adjustments or replacements.

There is, therefore, a need for a device which can be used to frame and display a photograph or the like in a simple yet pleasing manner and which can be provided with means to enable adjustments and replacements to be made without undue difficulty.

I have now found surprisingly that the disadvantages of the prior art can be overcome by providing a display device comprising two essentially flat members held together by magnetic attraction between which a photograph or the like may be sandwiched and including means to prevent sliding movement between the members. By providing such a device front loading of a photograph or the like into a display assembly may be achieved along with the ability quickly to change what is displayed.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a display device, which device comprises a transparent body member and a retaining member, each member having a front and a rear surface, the rear surface of the body member and the front surface of the retaining member being at least essentially flat, the body member including a peripheral band comprising ferromagnetic material and the retaining member including at least a peripheral band comprising ferromagnetic material which complements the ferromagnetic material of the band of the body member, whereby a photograph or the like may be sandwiched between the rear surface of the body member and the front surface of the retaining member and the members held together by magnetic attraction to secure the sandwiched photograph, the peripheral band of the body member being arranged such that it provides an inner edge upstanding in relation to the rear surface of the body member, and the retaining member including on its front surface a layer standing proud of the surface and having an area and configuration such that the layer provides an outer edge which complements the inner edge of the peripheral band of the body member and which can co-operate therewith to secure the members against sliding movement. In the display device of the invention the band comprising ferromagnetic material may be magnetisable or magnetic i.e. magnetised, provided the peripheral bands comprising ferromagnetic material are complementary. Thus, in the case where the peripheral band of the body member comprises magnetic material, the peripheral band of the retaining member may comprise magnetisable material. Alternatively, where the peripheral band of the body member comprises magnetisable material, the peripheral band of the retaining member should comprise magnetic material. In the device of the invention the body and retaining members may be constructed of various materials provided only that they are suitable to include or provide the necessary magnetic or magnetisable band. Thus, the body member may comprise a transparent plastics material or glass, for example, glass of from about 2mm to about 3mm in thickness. In that connection, glass is prefered because it usually presents a more pleasing appearance and is scratch resistant, but a transparent plastics material may be preferred to avoid safety problems. More preferably, the body member comprises a flat sheet of material, whether glass or plastics or the like, and generally will be rigid^' or semi-rigid.

The band comprising ferromagnetic material of the body member is a peripheral band so that the ability of the body member to fulfil its intended display function is not impaired. However, the peripheral location of the band can be used to good effect by having a band which is opaque (including those providing a mirrored effect) or translucent in appearance thereby to provide a framing or masking effect on a photograph or the like held adjacent the body member. Additionally or alternatively, the body member may be provided with a separate peripheral band such as by coating or etching to provide a framing or masking effect. Furthermore, if desired, the device may include a separate frame or mask member fixed at or to the periphery of the body member. Also, the separate frame or mask may provide the peripheral band comprising ferromagnetic material of the body member. That is to say the framing or masking effect and the ferromagnetic property may be provided in the same or separate bands or separate portions of the same band.

The frame or mask as provided in the various ways mentioned above may be at or on the front or rear surface of the body member so long as the arrangement is such that the necessary inner edge is present upstanding in relation to the rear surface of the body member. Also, where there is a separate frame or mask that may be of any conventional material such as brass, silver, wood etc. so as to provide a conventional framing effect. Moreover, such a frame or mask may be fixed to the body member by a variety of means such as by an adhesive.

The retaining member in the device of the invention preferably comprises a flat sheet of material, typically a plastics material (including rubber) or cardboard or a metal. Such a sheet may be formed with ferromagnetic properties, it may inherently have those properties in the case of a metal such as mild steel or it may have those properties imparted to it by coating a suitable magnetic or magnetisable composition on at least a portion of at least one surface thereof. Thus, for example, the retaining member may comprise a magnetised rubber material comprising calendered, extruded or moulded rubber of a proprietary mix including a composition comprising a carbonate of barium or strontium and magnetised ferric oxide. Such a rubber provides a flexible permanently magnetic material which typically can vary in thickness from about 0.3 mm to about 10 mm.

Alternatively, the retaining member may be a sheet of metal such as mild steel. In that case, the retaining member preferably compri ses a sheet of metal having adhered to the surface thereof which i s to be nearest the body member a layer whi ch i s a sheet of non- ferromagnestic material having an area and configuration such that the layer provides an outer edge as defined above. Preferably, the non-ferromagnetic material is cardboard, although it may be plastics material, and, as will be understood, the use of such a layer is equally applicable where the retaining member is other than a metal sheet.

The display device of the invention may be mounted on a wall or other vertical surface or the like by any convenient means. For example, the device may include mounting means to enable the device to be hung from a hook or by screw fixing such as means comprising an aperture in which a hook or screw may be engaged. Alternatively, means may be provided to enable the device to be mounted on cord hung from say a hook. Preferably, however, the rear surface of the retaining member includes a whole or partial layer of contact adhesive covered prior to use by a release sheet. By providing a layer of contact adhesive on the rear of the retaining member, the sandwich of body member, photograph or the like and retaining member may readily and easily be mounted on a wall or other vertical surface without the need to provide a hook and cord or like mounting. In addition, where display on a horizontal surface is desired the retaining member may include a supporting member such as a prop mounted e.g. on a hinge, to the rear of the retaining member.

Alternatively, the^'rear surface of the retaining member may include one or a plurality of adhesive portions. Preferably, such portions may comprise pads of foamed plastics material having one face adhered to the rear surface of the retaining member, and another face coated with a contact adhesive and protected by a release sheet. Then, in use, the release sheet can be removed to expose the contact adhesive and the device mounted on a wall or the like via the adhesive coated pads. Such pads as described below may be supplied separately with a release sheet on each adhesive face.

Furthermore or alternatively, the device of the invention may be combined with a separate stand. Such a stand conveniently may comprise a first member to which the device can be adhered, for example, by magnetic attraction or by an adhesive, e.g. contact adhesive, via the rear surface of the device retaining member. The first member may be combined with a supporting member such as a prop mounted, for example, on or by a hinge, to the rear of (or otherwise to) the stand first member. In that manner the device may be used to display a photograph or the like on a stand and on a horizontal surface.

In the display device of the invention the body member and the retaining member preferably may be at least essentially coterminous. Alternatively, the peripheral band comprising ferromagnetic material of the body member and the band comprising complementary material on the retaining member and/or the retaining member may be coterminous.

The display device of the invention may be of any convenient shape or size. Thus, it may be rectangular such as square, or circular, or rectangular with the corners cut away. Also, the peripheral band or other frame or mask may be provided in any arrangement, construction or pattern which complements or contrasts with the shape or size of the device overall.

In use the display device of the invention may be employed as a picture frame device to display a photograph or other picture. Alternatively, the device may be used to display point of sale posters, as a menu card or even as a place mat, for example, a beer mat. In the case of a menu card the device preferably may be employed combined with a stand as described above or using a retaining member having a supporting member. Also, in the case of a place mat any retaining member which is employed will usually have a non-adhesive rear surface. Such a surface may comprise a felt or flock backing.

In addition, a plurality of display devices according to the invention may be used together with a display board for displaying a variety of related or contrasting items. Furthermore, and alternatively, a single retaining member having the size of a display board may be provided comprising a metal sheet e.g. of mild steel, to which a number of body members in which the peripheral band comprises magnetic material may be adhered. Also, as with the device described above a layer comprising a sheet of non-ferromagnetic material may be provided for each body member having an area and configuration as defined above.

The display device of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a device in accordance with the invention in exploded cross-section;

Figure 2 shows a rear view of the device of Figure

1,

Figure 3 shows an enlarged and detailed cross- section at the top of the assembled device of Figures 1 and 2 ;

Figure 4 shows in diagrammatic form the use of a stand with the device of Figures 1 to 3;

Figure 5 shows a view from the front of another form of body member; Figure 6 shows a rear view of the body member of

Figure 5;

Figure 7 shows a cross-section at A-A of Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a view from the front of another and modified form of display device in accordance with the invention;

Figure 9 shows the device of Figure 8 in exploded side view; and

Figure 10 shows a front view of yet another form of device in accordance with the invention. Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the device 11 there shown comprises a body member 12 of transparent plastics material. At the periphery of the body member 12 there is an annular framing or masking layer 14 comprising an opaque or translucent material and an annular layer 15 comprising magnetic material of a smaller area than layer 14 - the thickness of both layers as shown being exaggerated for clarity. Layers 14 and 15 are together adhered to the periphery of the body member and there can be retained sandwiched between the body member 12 and a retaining member 16 a photograph 17 or the like for display purposes.

The retaining member 16 as shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a flat sheet of mild steel which may be coated, for example, painted to provide say an anti-rust or aesthetic effect. Adhered to the front face 21 of the member 16 is a sheet 22 of card which is of a configuration and area to mask off the front face sufficient to leave unmasked a peripheral band of exposed mild steel in configuration and area to match annular layer 15. Thus, the layer provided by sheet 22 has an outer edge 29 which complements inner edge 30 of annular layer 15 and can co-operate therewith. In that manner slippage of the members 12 and 16 in relation to each other is prevented or minimised, for example, when the device is subjected to vibration or the like. Also, the sheet 22, acts as a deterrent to the user covering the periphery of the steel retaining member 16 with a photograph and thereby weakening the magnetic attraction between the members 12 and 16. As shown especially in Figure 2, the retaining member 16 at its rear includes mounting means 23 and 24. Those means may comprise a portion pressed out of the sheet steel and include keyhole or other apertures 25 and 26 for mounting on a hook or by screw fixing or the like. Also, adjacent each corner of the member 16 there is a pad 27 e.g. of foamed plastics material, adhered to the rear face 18 of the member 16. Each pad includes a release layer 28 which can be peeled away to reveal a layer of contact adhesive on the thus-exposed surface of the pad and via which the device can be mounted on a wall or the like. Although the pads shown are rectangular they may, of course, be any convenient other shape such as circular and also may be supplied with the device as separate items. In that case the pads will have a release layer on each side, one being peeled away to adhere each pad to face 18 and the other being peeled away to adhere the device to a wall or the like.

Referring to Figure 4, that shows the use of a stand 51 as a support for the device of Figures 1 to 3.

The stand 51 comprises upper and lower portions 52 and 53 respectively separated by a hinge portion 54. On either side of the hinge portion 54 the adjacent edges of the portions 52 and 53 are bevelled to permit the stand 52 to bend at the hinge portion 54 to enable the lower portion 53 to be disposed as shown in dashed outline. Also the front face of upper portion 52 includes a strip or layer of magnetic material 55 (or adhesive) so that the stand can be adhered to the rear surface of retaining member 16 as shown in the righthand diagram. In the configuration there shown the assembly of device and stand can be disposed on a horizontal surface.

Referring to Figures 5 to 7, they show a body member 12' of' transparent plastics material surrounded by a frame 31. The frame may comprise moulded plastics material and may include bevelled edges 32 and 32' at the front of member 12'.

At its rear as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the frame

31 includes a channel 33. For moulding purposes the channel 33 may include a deeper channel portion 34 which also can accommodate any excessive adhesive used to adhere the magnetic strips mentioned below.

At two opposite sides magnetic strips 38, 41 or 39, 42 - or indeed at all four sides magnetic strips 38, 39, 41 and 42 - may be accommodated in channel 33. As indicated those strips may be adhered in place and may comprise magnetised plastics or rubber material as described above, or strips of magnetised metal.

As shown in Figure 7, the frame 31 includes an inner lip portion 44 on which the body member 12' can be accommodated as shown. The lip portion 44 is arranged such that with the body member in place as shown there is an exposed inner edge 45 which can complement and co¬ operate with an outer edge of a layer on a retaining member such as edge 29 of sheet 22 of the device of Figure 1. Thus, the body member 12¹ may be used in conjunction with a retaining member as shown in Figures 1 to 3. Also, it may be used with a stand as shown in Figure 4.

Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the device 11" there shown comprises a body member 12" of 2 or 3mm glass sheet which may have a bevelled edge 13". At the periphery of the body member 12" there is an annular framing or masking layer 14" comprising an^' opaque or translucent material and an annular layer 15" comprising magnetisable material of the same area as the layer 14". Layers 14" and 15" are together adhered to the periphery of the body member and there can be retained sandwiched between the body member and a retaining member 16" a photograph 17" or the like for display purposes.

The retaining member 16" as shown in Figure 9 comprises a magnetic material such as magnetised rubber and has on its rear face 18" a layer of contact adhesive covered prior to use by a release sheet 19". In use a photograph 17" is positioned between the body member 12" and the retaining member 16". The two members are then brought together to form a sandwich with the photograph as a filling and are held together by the magnetic attraction between layer 15" and member 16". Then to mount the assembled device the release sheet 19" is peeled away and the device adhered to a wall or other vertical surface via the contact adhesive on face 18".

The device 11"' shown in Figure 10 is similar to that of Figures 8 and 9. Again, the construction is as shown in Figure 9, but the shape of retaining member 12"' is square. Also, to create a pleasing effect the mask provided by layer 14'" (and its associated magnetic layer - not shown) is circular in its inner configuration in contrast to the square member 12'".

As will be appreciated the device shown in Figures 8 to 10 is a simplified form of device and modified insofar as it does not include a layer such as sheet 22 comprising card or the like. Of course, as also will be appreciated, such a layer may be included in the device as shown to provide a means to prevent slippage between the body member 12" and the retaining member 16". However, the device is presented in the modified form as shown to illustrate the simplicity provided by the use of magnetic attraction between two rigid (or relatively rigid) members 12" and 16" to sandwich a photograph 17" and thereby to display it as a flat, plate-like package.

As will be appreciated from the above description the device of the invention provides for front loading of a photograph or the like for the purposes of display. The photograph or the like can easily be assembled in the device on- the retaining member and then secured in place by the body member whatever the disposition of the retaining member. Thus, for example, even where the retaining member is say secured to a wall the body member may easily be removed and replaced for quick change or adjustment of what is displayed.

It is, of course, to be understood that the device of the invention is not limited to the features described with reference to the drawings and many other variations may be made within the spirit and scope of the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A display device, which device comprises a transparent body member and a retaining member, each member having a front and a rear surface, the rear surface of the body member and the front surface of the retaining member being at least essentially flat, the body member including a peripheral band comprising ferromagnetic material and the retaining member including at least a peripheral band comprising ferromagnetic material which complements the ferromagnetic material of the band of the body member, whereby a photograph or the like may be sandwiched between the rear surface of the body member and the front surface of the retaining member and the members held together by magnetic attraction to secure the sandwiched photograph, the peripheral band of the body member being arranged such that it provides an inner edge upstanding in relation to the rear surface of the body member, and the retaining member including on its front surface a layer standing proud of the surface and having an area and configuration such that the layer provides an outer edge which complements the inner edge of the peripheral band of the body member and which can co-operate therewith to secure the members against sliding movement.

2. A display device according to claim 1 , wherein the peripheral band of the body member comprises magnetic material and at least the peripheral band of the retaining member comprises magnetisable material.

3. A display device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the body member comprises glass or transparent plastics material.

4. A display device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which one or both of the body member and the retaining member comprises a flat sheet.

5. A display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a peripheral band comprising ferromagnetic material is disposed on the rear surface of the body member at or adjacent the outer edge thereof.

6. A display device according to claim 5, wherein the peripheral band is of opaque or translucent appearance to provide a framing or masking effect on a photograph or the like held adjacent the body member.

7. A display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the body member is provided with a separate peripheral band to provide a framing or masking effect.

8. A display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which includes a separate frame or mask member fixed at or to the periphery of the body member.

9. A display device according to claim 8, wherein the separate frame or mask provides the peripheral band comprising ferromagnetic material of the body member.

10. A display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining member comprises a metal.

11. A display device according to claim 10, wherein the retaining member comprises mild steel.

12. A display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining member comprises a sheet of metal having adhered to the surface thereof which is to be nearest the body member a layer which is a sheet of non-ferromagnetic material having an area and configuration to provide said outer edge.

13. A display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the said layer is provided by a sheet of cardboard.

14. A display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear surface of the retaining member includes a whole or partial layer of contact adhesive covered prior to use by a release sheet.

1 5. A di splay device according to any one of claims 1 to 1 3, wherein the rear surface of the retaining member includes one or a plurality of adhesive portions.

1 6. A display device according to claim 1 5 , wherein each said portion compri ses a pad of foamed plastics material having one face adhered to the rear surface of the retaining member, and another face coated with a contact adhesive and protected by a release sheet.

1 7. A display device according to claim 1 5 , wherein the adhesive portions are supplied separately and are adhered to the rear surface of the retaining member when required.

1 8. A di s'play devi ce according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the body member and the retaining member are at least essentially coterminous.